Humphrey

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ORIGIN AND HISTORY

Humphrey is of English, Norman French and Germanic origin. It was believed to have been introduced to Britain by the Normans and “is composed of the elements hun bear-cub, warrior + fred, frid peace. A form of this name (Hunfrith) existed in England before the Conquest, but it was replaced by the Norman Continental version Hunfrid. The spelling with -ph- reflects classicizing influence.”

Humphrey has always been somewhat popular in England as most names tied to the aristocracy and monarchy are. Famous Humphreys include the Duke of Gloucester (1391–1447). He was the youngest son of King Henry IV -- known as “Duke Humphrey.” He founded what is now part of the Bodleian Library at Oxford.^[1]

POPULARITY

According to the Social Security Administration, Humphrey is not in the top 1000 names for any year of birth in the last 100 years.However, Humphrey did enjoy some popularity earlier. From 1894 to 1891, it fluctuated greatly between 1034th (1891) and 678th (1893). Also, Humphrey also made the top 1000 list of most popular names in the country from 1884 to 1980 when it averaged about 800th. The Social Security Administration records regarding names only goes to 1880.

FACTS

• Humphrey Bogart is perhaps the best known Humphrey (other than a surname) in contemporary culture. Bogart was a very successful United States motion picture actor during the 1940s through the 1950s. In addition to immortalizing himself through many roles and working with some of the most popular women actresses in Hollywood, his love affair with actress Lauren Bacall is legendary.

NAMESAKES

Despite only being a Vice President of the United States, Hubert Humphrey has a number of places named after him including: The Hubert H. Humphrey Terminal at Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport, the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome domed stadium in Minneapolis, the Hubert H. Humphrey Building of the Department of Health and Human Services in Washington,D.C. and The Hubert H. Humphrey Comprehensive Health Center of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services in Los Angeles, CA.^[1]

FAMOUS PERSONS

• Humphrey Deforest Bogart (1899 - 1957), an Academy Award winning American motion picture actor.
• Hubert Horatio Humphrey, Jr. (surname) (1911 - 1978) was the 38th Vice President of the United States. He was originally a Senator from Minnesota. ^[1]
• Humphrey Lyttelton (1921–2008) was a British jazz musician and the host of the British television program I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue
• Hunfrid of Prüm (d. 871) was a Benedictine monk and saint^[1]

Author: Mike Szimanski

NOTES